We are in a search for a small 3-4 star hotel in Amsterdam. We will be staying 1 week. So far, our search has narrowed to the Hotel Toren or Canal House, although other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. (The Ambassade Hotel, was our first choice but is booked fot the time we are going.) Both appear to be close to the red light district and since we are traveling with our 13 y.o. daughter, we really don't want to have to pass by that area. Is anyone familiar with the location of these hotels and if we chose to stay in one of them, how difficult is it to avoid that area?

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We stayed at the AMS Terdam Hotel (a Best Western) across the canal from Leidseplein, which is very near the Vondelpark and the museum district. I loved it in that area, and it is much nicer that the Red Light District. The trams are only a block away, lots of restaurants and a multi-plex cinema with English-lang. movies if your young daughter needs a break. It was booked via the SkyAuction but I think rack rates are around $120-150, not sure. Here is a web to view the hotel: http://www.hotels-holland.com/amsterdam/terdam.htm

We stayed at the Owl Hotel which was close to Vondel Park and not near the Red Light district. It is easy to avoid the area, so as long as you don't stay right by it you should be fine. The Red Light District isn't huge, it mainly runs along one canal for several blocks. Looking at the map in the guidebook I used, the Canal House doesn't appear to be close to it. <BR> <BR>http://www.owl-hotel.demon.nl/index.html

Take a look at Hotel Estherea. We stayed there a year ago and were very satisfied w/its location. It is a 4 star hotel. The only drawback is that our room was small, but that seems to be typical in Europe.

We stayed at the Hotel Toren and loved it. Yes, it is not far from the Red Light district, but then again, it is not far from anything. It happens to be in an excellent area. You just need to know where you are going and you can easily avoid Red Light District. In fact, when we were there, we only passed through it once, and that was deliberate. The hotel staff is very helpful, and surely will assist you in getting you where you want to be.

Hi Joe: <BR>I recommend the Doelen Hotel Part of the Golden Tulip chain www.goldentulip.com) Lovely place located next to a canal, three tram stops from Centraal Station. 3 or 4 stars, I forget. It was a lovely place in 1999. It was undergoin a full renovation which is now complete. Have a wonderful time!